A beautiful heart has stopped beating. James “Jim” Boylan passed away in Nanaimo, B.C. on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at the age of 74 years, beloved husband of Jennifer Boylan of Medicine Hat. He will be forever cherished by his two children, Susan “Suzanne” (Dimitri) Zanikos and John (Joey) Boylan; Jennifer's children, Robin Stock, Andrea (Jeff) Coswan, Jeff Paulson (Nicole Keeler); seven grandchildren, Markella Zanikos, Nena and Svea Boylan, Kallen and Kaleigh Stock, Kate and Lauren Coswan; one sister, Daryl (Rex) Krepps and her children, Robert (Rejeanne) Krepps, Sean Krepps (Megan Conway) and their children Carson and Zoe Krepps; cousins Kenneth Gillrie, Joyce Springate, Duncan (Sandy) Brown and step-brother Eric (Loreen) Hayne, Jennifer’s family in England and his much loved “granddog”, Emma. He was predeceased by his parents, Ena and John “Jack” Boylan, his son-in-law, Cory Stock and his infant granddaughter, Keaira Stock; Walter “Wally” Hayne, Gotthilf and Christina Kern and William “Bill” and Alice Edwards.

Jim was born on September 15, 1943 in Lethbridge, Alberta. When Jim was a baby, his parents moved to Medicine Hat – which became the city he would call home. He attended the Banff School of Fine Arts as a teenager and graduated from Medicine Hat High School in 1961. University of Alberta in Edmonton was where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, and he thoroughly enjoyed the comradery of his Delta Upsilon fraternity. Upon completion, he returned to Medicine Hat in 1968 to help his mother Ena Boylan run the family drugstore. Though he was done school, he never stopped learning, whether it was astrology, hiking, photography, music, wine, food, or travel, Jim’s zest for knowledge stayed with him throughout his life.

Over the years his unparalled drive helped him grow and expand the Boylan Drugs business to include six drugstores, a card and gift shop, a health food store, and assist his son John in developing Boylan Imaging. Being a true Virgo, he was a perfectionist, and he mastered the art of planning, as everything had to be “just right”. This applied to his work life as well as his family life – Jim loved helping people, or working to get that project “just right”, but you could rest assured that if Jim was involved, things would end up just as planned. Generosity was one of his special traits, whether it was giving time, advice, a meal, or any assistance, he loved to help and never asked anything in return – your happiness was his reward.

His retirement was spent with lots of travel, including Nanaimo and his beloved Waterton. Winters began with a trip to Nanaimo – exploring, relaxing, and spending time with family. From there it was off to a warm destination – Maui was a favorite the past number of years. Here again, Jim only wanted to share and enjoy, as all members of the family spent time with him taking in paradise and sharing a glass of wine. Summers were at the cabin where hosting was taken to new levels. Meals were always something special, often enjoyed with some fine wine or a cold beer, and days were filled with golf, hiking, boating, and truly enjoying life. Retirement always included family and friends, and no matter the location, his door was always open and there was always room, and time for one more. He was truly unforgettable and his memory will be cherished forever.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held in the Esplanade Main Theatre (401 1st Street SE) on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. A public viewing will not be available. Private family interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to The Waterton Foundation ([email protected]) P.O. Box 112, Waterton Park, Alberta T0K 2M0 or The Salvation Army, 164 Stratton Way SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4H5. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: [email protected] subject heading: Jim Boylan.

Our sincere condolences from everyone at TBC General Contracting.....
Jim is one of the reasons for our companies success!
Scott Wilson and staff and crew

Take Care Scott Wilson

Message from Todd and Shelley Beck October 10, 2017

I was very proud the day Jim called and asked if I could help him with his accounting and tax affairs. Jim was such a respected man and here he was asking to be my client. I enjoyed every meeting and discussion we had. He always wanted everyone one to be treated fairly (including the Government) and when events didn't work out as planned he just moved forward like a true Gentleman Businessman.

Take Care Todd and Shelley Beck

Message from Sharon Schauenberg (Dobson) October 11, 2017

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing I have many fond memories of Jim and will remember him as such an intelligent and caring man. He will be missed by so many. I send thoughts and prayers to his family are thinking of you, John, Suzanne and Jennifer. I truly enjoyed working for Jim and admired his professionalism and as well as being a successful business man.

Take Care Sharon Schauenberg (Dobson)

Message from DOUG and ELIZABETH CLEMENTS October 11, 2017

Our condolences and sympathies to the entire BOYLAN family.
Jim was a great man that will be remembered by all.
Our special thoughts and prayers for JOHNand his family.

Take Care DOUG and ELIZABETH CLEMENTS

Message from Barbara & Perry Stone October 12, 2017

We were saddened by the news of Jim's passing. Our thoughts are with you.

Take Care Barbara & Perry Stone

Message from Lorna Camobell October 12, 2017

My deepest sympathy to everyone. He will be missed.

Take Care Lorna Camobell

Message from Angela and David Cartwright October 12, 2017

We were so sad to hear about Jim , a truly lovely person and
always a gentleman. We send Jenny and all the family our love
at this very sad time.xxx

Take Care Angela and David Cartwright

Message from Helen Gunn October 12, 2017

So sorry for your loss. Jim was a great man and he was great to work for. My thoughts are with you all.

Take Care Helen Gunn

Message from Nance Metcalf Ebel October 13, 2017

As part of 407 7 Street we called it the Boylan Mash Group. I spent my happiest times working for Jim and being part of the Boylan "Family". Going on purchasing events to Calgary Jim opened my eyes to always look to what can be. And the Loved running into them shopping at Costco and hearing their journeys. I am so Saddened with this news as Jen & Jim were looking so forward to heading to BC. My Condolences to all the Boylan family and may you know he touched a lot of people in his lifetime. Rest in Peace Mr. Boylan... Boss ! You will not be forgotten.

Take Care Nance Metcalf Ebel

Message from Brian, Carol and Kathleen Lowery October 13, 2017

So sad to hear of the passing of a good friend and employer. Jim's kindest and support allowed me to continue working in the field we both loved. I will miss the lunches at Calahan's restaurant when we could discuss the "store" and exchange news of family, friends and the world in general. Jim was above all else a gentleman and in a real sense a scholar. My sympathies to Jennifer, Susan and John and their families, we share, in a small way, your loss.

Take Care Brian, Carol and Kathleen Lowery

Message from Lori Daniels, Nanaimo BC October 13, 2017

Please accept my sincere condolences! I'm so sorry for your loss.

Take Care Lori Daniels, Nanaimo BC

Message from Tanis Knowles Yarnell October 13, 2017

My sincerest condolences to the Boylan family. A great life lived and a great loss. May love and togetherness help you at this difficult time.

Take Care Tanis Knowles Yarnell

Message from ReNèe Hurlburt October 13, 2017

Dear Boylan Family:
I am reminded of a comment I heard that reminded me of Jim...
We are all just passing time, and occupy our chair very briefly. The time we had with Jim as a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend was a gift, and we are better off for his time with us as he occupied his chair so well. Love from a Waterton friend.

The Pattison Funeral Home is an access friendly funeral home, with all our services on one level. We have a large chapel that seats 450 people. We are a diverse staff, from all walks of life and have employees who have dedicated many years to the profession at this funeral home as well as some who are showing promise and just starting out in the business.